McConaughey sex symbol joy

The heartthrob actor - who is romancing actress Penelope Cruz - says he feels honoured to be adored by so many women.

McConaughey, who was voted the sexiest man alive in a recent magazine poll, said: "It's cool to be considered sexy - it's an honour. I like it and am happy to be called that.

"When I got the call I laughed. Then I called my mum. She said, 'It's about damn time'. I said, 'Thank you mum. I couldn't have done it without you!'"

The star has also said he would never let his fans or his fame stop him from going out in public - and works hard to enjoy a normal life.

He is quoted in Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper as saying: "It's how you carry yourself. Also, sometimes people will want something and I'll be like, 'Not right now. I'm eating. I'm watching the movie'.

"But going out in public for me is something that I've practised and will always do. Not to do that is insane."